Popular TVs
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Price (65 in)$2,599.99 $1,599.99
Display TypeQLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions56.9 x 32.6 x 1.0 inches
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Price (65 in)$2,299.99
Display TypeOLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions57.0 x 32.7 x 1.8 inches
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Price (65 in)$3,499.99
Display TypeOLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions56.9 x 32.8 x 1.6 inches
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A 55-inch television is the minimum size you should consider for living rooms and family rooms, and it’s better suited for smaller spaces like bedrooms. If you’re looking for a bigger TV, we recommend checking out our Best 65-inch TVs and Best 75-inch TVs ratings. For a wider selection, see our rating of the Best TVs of 2023. But if 55 inches suits your needs and budget, read on for our rating of the best 55-inch TVs of 2023.
Our Best 55-inch TVs Rating
Compare the Best 55-inch TVs of 2023
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Best 55-inch TVs in Detail
Sony A90J »
Buy at Walmart
Best Smart TV of 2023
Price (65 in)
$3,499.99
Display TypeOLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions56.9 x 32.8 x 1.6 inches
Sony A90J: If you’re looking for the best 55-inch high-end UHD TV, look no further than Sony’s A90J. Reviewers say this OLED TV has extraordinary picture quality and surprisingly good sound from its stock speakers, both the best of any TV on the market. HDR10+ is a surprising omission, but the A90J does have HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Reviewers say the A90J is both easy to set up and use, and built Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast support makes it easy to stream content from iOS and Android devices. There are also plenty of ports (including HDMI 2.1) to connect your entire home entertainment center to A90J, with four HDMI ports and three USB ports. This smart TV also has 120 Hz refresh rate support.
LG C1 »
Buy at LG
Best Gaming TV of 2023
Price (65 in)
$2,299.99
Display TypeOLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions57.0 x 32.7 x 1.8 inches
LG C1: If the price tag of the Sony A90J is too high, consider the $1,000 cheaper LG C1. Reviewers point to this OLED TV’s perfect black levels and outstanding contrast ratios as its best features. Dolby Vision IQ helps this TV perform well in a dark room, but this smart TV is noticeably darker in brighter rooms than the LG G1 or Sony A90J. It also doesn’t have the great-sounding stock speakers that the A90J has, but it has AI-simulated surround sound technology and AI-enhanced 4K upscaling, which are generally well reviewed. This smart TV also has Dolby Vision and HDR10 (again, no HDR10+) support. There are four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is more than most smart TVs have. For gamers, it supports a refresh rate up to 120 Hz. (Note that the successors to the LG C1 and G1, the C2 and G2, were released after this review was written. We will address these models in an upcoming review.)
LG G1 »
Buy at Amazon
Special Limited-Time Offer: Take $670 OFF now!
Price (65 in)$2,799.99 $2,129.99
Display TypeOLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions56.9 x 32.7 x 0.8 inches
LG G1: The high-end LG G1 doesn’t have the superior sound quality of the A90J or the C1, but the display of this OLED TV is brighter than the C1 OLED TV (and nearly the Sony A90J) with near-perfect black levels, according to professional reviewers. The display is also extremely thin at just 0.9” on all models, or roughly half the C1, another top OLED TV in our rating. LG doesn’t include a stand with the G1 but does include a wall mount, which is the best way to mount this TV as it sits nearly flush with your wall. But for the cutting-edge design and better picture quality, you pay $500 more for this 4K TV than you would for the C1. If you’re looking for a smart TV with Dolby Vision, a 4K TV, and an OLED TV, the LG G1 ticks all of those boxes.
Toshiba Fire TV Edition: The Toshiba Fire TV Edition is one of the best values among budget 55-inch TVs. But in exchange for saving quite a bit of money, you’re losing some performance and picture quality over the midrange and top-tier options in our Best 55-inch TV rankings, say professional reviews. The Toshiba Fire TV is a great option for those who use Amazon Alexa and have an account with the online retailer. It does have apps for the other popular streaming services, however, reviewers note the experience is still very Amazon-centric. Overall picture quality is average, with average HDR performance, no local dimming capabilities, or variable refresh rate. This TV is probably best for secondary rooms like a den or office.
Samsung QN85A »
Buy at Amazon
Special Limited-Time Offer: Take $552 OFF now!
Price (65 in)$2,199.99 $1,647.95
Display TypeQLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions56.9 x 32.6 x 1.0 inches
Samsung QN85A: Samsung’s QN85A 4K TV comes in next in our rankings, using Samsung’s new Neo QLED technology. While the technology helps produce a brighter picture than the QLED-based Samsung Q80A (which also made our list), professional reviewers point to a disappointing contrast ratio that makes blacks gray. However, local dimming and quantum dot technology help somewhat, which shouldn’t happen in a TV in this price range. However, a wide viewing angle and low screen reflectivity make it a good choice if you typically watch TV in the dark.
Sony Bravia X90J: The Sony Bravia X90J is an excellent alternative to the more expensive A90J if you don’t mind its narrower viewing angle and noticeable glare in brightly lit rooms. Professional reviewers agree that this TV has great picture quality and color reproduction, with reviewers calling it one of the best mid-range TVs on the market. We think the Bravia X90J is the best option for homes with tight budgets who value picture quality.
TCL 6-Series: Another budget option in our Best 55-inch TVs is the TCL 6-Series. The 6-Series uses a QLED display, which results in a much better picture than the Toshiba Fire TV Edition. Reviewers note that the 6-Series produces excellent blacks and surprisingly good color reproduction for a sub-$1,000 4K TV and is available as either a Google TV or Roku TV. However, professional reviews say the TCL 6-Series has a glitchy user interface, which multiple professional reviews noted as one of the TV’s biggest problems. If you can deal with the issues, you can’t get a QLED TV for less.
Samsung Q80A »
Buy at Samsung
Special Limited-Time Offer: Take $801.99 OFF now!
Price (65 in)$1,699.99 $898
Display TypeQLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions56.9 x 32.7 x 2.2 inches
Samsung Q80A: Another sub-$1,000 55-inch QLED on our list is Samsung’s Q80A. While it doesn’t have the Neo QLED screen technology of the QN series models, Samsung’s standard QLED display is quite bright, and quantum dot technology helps make colors vibrant. Reviewers also point to the wide viewing angle as a selling point, which means the picture looks great no matter where you sit. However, poor contrast ratios make blacks look gray in a dark room, and the TCL 6-Series offers a better overall picture for only slightly more at the 55-inch size.
Samsung QN90A »
Buy at Samsung
Special Limited-Time Offer: Take $1000 OFF now!
Price (65 in)$2,599.99 $1,599.99
Display TypeQLED
TV Resolution4K UHD
Dimensions56.9 x 32.6 x 1.0 inches
Samsung QN90A: With a bright, colorful picture powered by quantum dots and low screen reflectivity (better than other QN series TVs), the Samsung QN90A is about as close as you can come to an OLED in a QLED, according to reviewers. While you get close to the A90J in brightness, the contrast ratio and black levels aren’t as good. The LG C1 is another option that costs a little less, has better blacks, and should be considered before settling on the QN90A. Still, for fans of the Samsung brand, the QN90A is one of their best consumer 4K TVs.
How Much Does a 55-inch TV Cost?
You can find the cheapest 55-inch TVs for under $300, but most TVs this size fall between $500 and $1,700. The best TVs in this class average between $1,500-$2,500.
Among the models that made our Best 55-Inch TV ratings, the cheapest is the Toshiba Fire TV Edition, which retails for $339.99. Most of our other picks are considerably more expensive, including the LG C1 for $1,499.99, the LG G1 for $1,999.99, and the Sony A90J for $2,499.99.
What Size TV Should I Get?
The size of TV you should get depends on what you watch, the size of your room, and how far away from the TV you sit. There are two widely used formulas to determine optimal screen size. Both have to do with the viewing angle occupied by your TV. For watching movies, THX, a company that provides audio/visual standards for movie viewing, recommends that 40 degrees of your line of sight be occupied by your TV. For general TV viewing, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) recommends a screen that takes up at least 30 degrees of your line of sight.
You can calculate this angle using one of two formulas. To meet the THX standard, multiply the distance from the TV to your viewing position in inches by .835. To meet the SMPTE standard, multiply by .625. For example, if your TV is about 10 feet from your seating area, the recommended screen size would be:
- THX: 120 x .835 = 100 inches
- SMPTE: 120 x .625 = 75 inches
We recommend using the SMPTE formula unless you’re aiming for a theater-like experience, in which case the THX formula will give you a more immersive experience.
The less technical answer depends on your personal preferences and available space. Here are some guidelines for picking the correct size.
- Available space: Obviously, the amount of space is the first consideration. Remember that the screen size is measured diagonally, so the TV’s width will be shorter than the size. For example, you can fit a 65-inch TV in a space about 55 inches wide.
- Resolution: Experts recommend considering your viewing distance when choosing a resolution. If you are further away from a TV, then a 1080p TV will look fine. However, as you move closer, you’ll see pixelation. 4K and 8K TVs allow you to sit closer (and offer a much better picture).
- Use: If you’re planning to use your TV for entertainment – movies, video games, or sports, then a larger television is a smart buy. However, a larger set might be overkill if the TV is going in a rarely used room or a bedroom.
- Budget: Your budget will play a significant role. On 55-inch TVs that made our rankings, prices ranged from as little as $340 to as much as $2,500.
Remember that screen size is only one element that can affect perceived picture quality. As Audio Video Consultants points out, other factors include media source, screen resolution, color accuracy, and display type.
Other Guides from 360 Reviews
Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating TVs
Why You Can Trust Us: 48 TVs Researched
At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 48 TVs and analyzed 18 reviews. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review. In addition, we maintain a separate business team that has no influence over our methodology or recommendations.
The following describes our 360 approach to researching TVs to guide prospective consumers.
1. We researched the companies and products people care most about.
U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which TVs Americans are most interested in. We found 48 TVs that stand out in terms of volume of searches and research among consumers, as well as across the different rating sources. After conducting a thorough analysis, we were able to condense the initial list to the 10 overall Best TVs. With the companies determined, we conducted a comprehensive research on their features to create a general layout of what consumers should know to assist with their purchasing decisions.
We then compared the available services provided by our top TVs across several criteria, including but not limited to cost, licensing, probability of being on time, customer satisfaction, and flexibility of services. Research shows that these are the most important criteria for people shopping for TVs.
2. We created objective 360 Overall Ratings based on an analysis of third-party reviews.
U.S. News’ 360 Reviews team applied an unbiased methodology that includes opinions from professional reviews as well as consumer reviews.
Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on personal opinions or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:
(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:
- Professional Ratings and Reviews. Many independent sources have published their assessments of TVs and their plans. We consider several of these third-party reviews to be reputable and well-researched. However, professional reviewers often make recommendations that contradict one another. Rather than relying on a single source, U.S. News believes consumers benefit most when these opinions and recommendations are considered and analyzed collectively with an objective, consensus-based methodology.
- Consumer Ratings and Reviews. U.S. News also reviewed published consumer ratings and reviews of TVs. Sources with a sufficient number of quality consumer ratings and reviews were included in our scoring model.
Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.
(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.
The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations, and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.
The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company’s score compared to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:
- Calculating the Z-Score: The Z-Score represents a data point’s relation to the mean measurement of the data set. The Z-Score is negative when the data point is below the mean and positive when it’s above the mean; a Z-Score of 0 means it’s equal to the mean. To determine the Z-Score for each third-party rating of a company, we calculated the mean of the ratings across all companies evaluated by that third-party source. We then subtracted the mean from the company’s rating and divided it by the standard deviation to produce the Z-Score.
- Calculating the T-Score: We used a T-Score calculation to convert the Z-Score to a 0-100 scale by multiplying the Z-Score by 10. To ensure that the mean was equal across all data points, we added our desired scoring mean (between 0 and 10) to the T-Score to create an adjusted T-Score.
- Calculating the common-scale rating: We divided the adjusted T-Score, which is on a 100-point scale, by 20 to convert the third-party rating to a common 0-5 point system.
(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.
We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than one was excluded from the consensus scoring model.
Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each product, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.
U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.
